Central River Region, Imperial Capital, within the imperial palace.
Inside an unnamed grand hall, eight cultivators were secretly discussing something.
The cultivator seated in the highest position wore a purple-and-gold robe and a golden crown. Though his expression was gentle, he carried an unquestionable aura of royal authority.
Needless to say, this man was the current ruler of the Central River Dynasty—the emperor of the Central River Empire, Zhongchuan Xian!
Behind him stood a black figure in silence. Not the slightest fluctuation emanated from him; there was not even any trace of an aura. If people had not known his identity, many would likely have taken him for a statue.
Yet in truth, this man was Zhongchuan Xian's personal guard—Nameless!
He was called by this name for two reasons. First, no one knew his real name. Second, he was often like Zhongchuan Xian's shadow, with almost no purpose beyond protecting Zhongchuan Xian. A person like that had no need for a name.
Seated lower down to Zhongchuan Xian's left was a handsome and refined cultivator.
He wore an elegant, plain-colored robe embroidered with blooming peonies. He appeared to be only in his twenties, with handsome features and a refined, noble bearing. His long silver hair was particularly eye-catching.
The fact that he could sit in this position showed just how close his relationship was with both the Central River Imperial Family and Zhongchuan Xian personally.
Below this refined cultivator sat two cultivators who looked almost identical. They were clearly brothers, dressed in Daoist robes with calm expressions.
To Zhongchuan Xian's right were three more cultivators. Their identities were also well known: they were the top three among the Central River's Nine Grand Princes—Prince Jin, Prince Cheng, and Prince An!
If outsiders had witnessed the scene in this grand hall, they